BOSTON (AP) – Gov. Deval Patrick is asking for federal disaster relief for cities and towns in eight Massachusetts counties hit hard by the heavy snowstorm of Jan. 12.

Patrick said Friday that historical records kept by National Weather Service confirms that Berkshire, Hampshire and Suffolk Counties experienced record or near-record snowfalls during the storm.

Patrick said Essex, Middlesex and Norfolk counties also met the federal criteria for a snow assistance declaration. While falling just short of record or near-record snowfalls, Hampden and Worcester counties also suffered a jolt of snow similar to those counties that did receive record snowfalls.

If the emergency declaration is granted, federal officials will provide reimbursement to local governments, state agencies and non-profit organizations for 75% of eligible costs related to snow removal, search and rescue, and shelter operations.

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